What Is Needed To Activate The Brakes On A Trailer

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Question:

I have a stock trailer with a break away on it ,how do you wire it so my break controller will make the breaks work on the trailer

asked by: Eric

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Expert Reply:

Your trailer's brakes should have a blue power wire running to them from the junction box on the tongue or just after the tongue on the trailer frame. There's a possibility that it could be a different color but this this wire will need to be 10 gauge and is how power is sent to the brakes in order to activate them. This wire should be bundled with the blue wire on your 7-way connector running from the junction box.

If you already have trailer brakes and a breakaway switch installed the trailer side of this should all be good to go.

On the vehicle side you'll need a 7-way connector and a brake controller. To install a 7-way on a vehicle you'll first need to install a 4-pole wiring harness if you don't already have one. From there you can install the # ETBC7, which will plug into your 4-pole wiring harness for the lights and have you run a line up to the cab for the brake controller and one to the battery.

Once that is installed you'll need to install the brake controller of your choice and connect it to that wire for the 7-way you ran into the cab for the brake output. Once the brake controller is fully installed you can connect to your trailer and test the brakes either with the manual output switch that it will have or by pressing the brake pedal in your vehicle.

If you could give me the year/make/model of your vehicle and tell me what you already have then I can find the correct components for you and give you a recommendation on a good brake controller. If your trailer doesn't have a 7-way on the front and you're needing to fully do all the wiring for the brakes then let me know and I can walk you through that process as well.

I've attached a couple of our wiring articles below as well, which are a great resource to have.

expert reply by: Kevin C

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Answer 1

The 12-volt circuit which is generally located in the 1 o'clock position on the vehicle's 7-way trailer connector will be used to maintain a charge on the battery for your breakaway system. This is usually a black wire, but you will want to…

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Answer 2

If all you need is trailer lighting circuits and a brake controller to function you do not have to connect the power (black) wire of the Brake Controller install kit part #ETBC7. It comes with the kit but is not needed for the operation of a brake…

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Answer 3

Based on the pictures you provided they used the same circuit breaker for powering the 12v pin on the 7-way connector and the trailer brake controller that you have in your 2018 Subaru Outback Wagon which is not correct. This is not how the kit…

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Answer 4

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 5

You will need to start by locating the 4-way on your suburban.From there you would need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install the brake controller. For that you will want the Brake Controller Install Kit and 7-Way Adapter part…

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Answer 6

Not to confusing at all. There are a lot of wires to keep straight, but once you do it, you will be surprised at how easy it was. I will go through a quick run down of how to wire up the ETBC7, then how to wire up the Brake Controller. I will also…

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Answer 7

The black wire on the #ETBC7 should be run to the battery. The 12V cigarette lighter is meant to be used for accessories. Running the wire to your battery ensures that you do not cause any damage to your vehicle wiring if something were to draw too…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 10

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 11

The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty #RED24FR is the way to go over the Elite #RED44FR as you get the nicer functions of the Elite at a lower price. The Elite has the ability to be the more preferred proportional style of controller as well as a time-delayed…

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Answer 12

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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What Is Needed To Activate The Brakes On A Trailer

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